Clubs' generosity helps Women's University tournament back on track

Mumbai's first-ever All India women's inter-university cricket tournament which was in jeopardy after three of the eight venues had conveyed to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) their inability to host matches due to prior commitments, will now be held as per schedule with other clubs making their grounds available.

In a bid to enhance women's cricket, Rizvi College of Arts, Science & Commerce along with Mumbai University, under the aegis of MCA, organised this tournament with 34 teams in the fray. Indian women's team batswoman Poonam Raut inaugurated this tournament at PJ Hindu Gymkhana yesterday.

Indian Airlines Sports Club ground (Kalina), Vengsarkar Academy ground (Churchgate), Shivaji Park Gymkhana and Bengal Club (Shivaji Park, Dadar), National Cricket Club and Karnataka Sporting Association ground (Cross Maidan), Khalsa College (Matunga) grounds are the fresh venues of the tournament.

"I am thankful to the gymkhanas, clubs and MCA who have offered their facilities for this important event," Javed Rizvi, Trustee of Rizvi Education Society, told mid-day.

The opening ceremony and the first game were held at PJ Hindu Gymkhana that was earlier unavailable due to prior commitments. "In the earlier schedule, matches were to be held on weekends. Since they are rescheduled to weekdays, we can now host those games," said PJ Hindu Gymkhana cricket secretary Maulik Merchant.

Indore beat GoaAt PJ Hindu Gymkhana yesterday, Devi Ahilya University Indore (DAV) beat Goa University by 96 runs. Charu Joshi scored 47 in 49 balls in her team's total of 143 for four (35 overs). In reply, Goa University were bundled out for 47 in 20.3 overs.